Shown in INR with SAR alongside — ₹1 ≈ SAR 0.039 (≈ SAR 1 → ₹25.6), a rough rate that moves daily. Check a live rate before budgeting precisely.
For information only. This covers stay, flights and the visa fee only — not local transport, food, shopping or ziyarat costs — using approximate hotel-tier medians and the visa's government-set fee range. No hotel, airline or agent has confirmed these numbers. Booking through a travel agent or in a group usually changes the per-person math, since most packages bundle local transport, meals and ziyarat trips into one price — compare the whole package against these three line items rather than against the total alone.
آخر الأخبار
Latest Updates
Saudi visa, hotel, Umrah and travel news — including updates for pilgrims from India.
Indian nationals: Embassy of India, Riyadh 24×7 helpline 800 247 1234 (toll-free within Saudi Arabia) · +966 11 488 4697.
Short summaries of what each government says, shown for convenience and refreshed automatically — they can be out of date or incomplete. Always read the full advisory at the source before deciding to travel. UmrahNow is not a government body.
Get the daily update by emailSaudi travel advisories and the latest Umrah updates, in your inbox every morning. Free — you'll confirm your email first, and can unsubscribe any time.
Latest stories are on their way — check back soon.
الأنظمة
Saudi visa routes, at a glance
Three ways in — pick one, then get an Umrah permit via Nusuk either way. Always re-check Nusuk before booking; rules change.
Route 1
Tourist e-Visa
Multi-entry, 1 year, 90 days/visit. Fully online in a few days. Still needs a Nusuk Umrah permit.
~SAR 470–620
Route 2
Official Umrah Visa
Via a licensed agent, bundled with a Nusuk service package (stay + transport). The classic packaged-trip route.
~SAR 430–620 + package
Newer
1-year multi-entry Umrah visa
365 days, 90 days total stay. A fresh Nusuk package + permit needed each visit. Paused during Hajj season.
Priced per visit via Nusuk
Either way: you need a separate, timed Umrah permit through Nusuk to enter Masjid al-Haram (and another for Al-Rawdah) — apply at nusuk.sa ↗ or visa.visitsaudi.com ↗.
رحلة العمرة
What Umrah is, and the journey it follows
Umrah means "to visit a populated place" — the lesser pilgrimage to the Ka'bah, performed any time of year rather than on Hajj's fixed dates. Its rites trace back to Ibrahim and Isma'il, peace be upon them, who raised the Ka'bah and whose family's search for water became the walk between Safa and Marwah; the Prophet ﷺ himself performed it four times.
"Umrah after Umrah is an expiation for what came between them."
Sahih al-Bukhari & Sahih Muslim
"Follow up Hajj and Umrah, for they remove poverty and sin as the bellows removes impurity from iron."
Sunan al-Tirmidhi
"An Umrah performed in Ramadan is equivalent to a Hajj (or a Hajj performed with me)."
Sahih al-Bukhari & Sahih Muslim
Scholars differ on whether Umrah is obligatory once in a lifetime — the Shafi'i and Hanbali view, reading Qur'an 2:196 — or a strongly emphasised sunnah muakkadah (confirmed sunnah), as the Hanafi and Maliki view holds. That last hadith is often cited for just how highly emphasised it is even on the "sunnah" view: not obligatory like Hajj, yet when performed in Ramadan specifically, its reward is described as equal to Hajj's. Either way, it's one of the most rewarded acts of worship a Muslim can undertake. Whatever the ruling on obligation, the rites themselves are fixed — four pillars, in sequence — and the next section opens each one with its exact wording.
١
Ihram
الإحرام
At or before the miqat: ghusl, the ihram garments, the intention, and the Talbiyah — the state you enter and stay in until the final trim.
٢
Tawaf
الطواف
Seven circuits of the Ka'bah beginning at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad), then two rak'ahs near Maqam Ibrahim and a drink of Zamzam.
٣
Sa'i
السعي
Seven passes between Safa and Marwah, retracing Hajar's search for water — the walk that gave Zamzam its name.
٤
Halq or Taqsir
الحلق أو التقصير
Shaving or trimming the hair closes Umrah and releases you from ihram — the visit is complete.
المواقيت والإحرام
Miqat & getting ready for Ihram
The miqat is the boundary around Makkah beyond which no one may pass, heading there intending Umrah, without first being in Ihram. Know which one applies to you, then get dressed correctly before you reach it.
Where to enter Ihram
The Prophet ﷺ fixed five miqats, each serving pilgrims from a particular direction.
Dhul Hulayfah (Abyar Ali)
~450 km north — for Madinah and those arriving from the north.
Al-Juhfah (near Rabigh)
~185 km NW — Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, North Africa, Europe & the Americas.
Qarn al-Manazil (As-Sayl al-Kabir)
~75 km east — Najd, and most Gulf-state flights (UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain).
Yalamlam (As-Sa'diyah)
~92 km south — Yemen, and commonly the miqat for India, Pakistan, Bangladesh & Southeast Asia.
Dhat Irq
~90 km northeast — Iraq, Iran and Central Asia.
Masjid Aisha (At-Tan'im)
~6 km from the Ka'bah — not one of the five; for Makkah residents or pilgrims starting a fresh Umrah.
Which miqat applies to me?
Flying? Your miqat is whichever point your flight path actually crosses, not your nationality — airlines usually announce this shortly before you reach it. If unsure, the safe default is to wear Ihram and make your intention before boarding; entering early is always valid, only entering late is not. Ask your airline or group leader for your specific route.
How to wear Ihram
The two unstitched cloths — teal: Rida (upper), gold: Izar (lower)
How men wear Ihram
Izar (lower wrap): around the waist, from the navel to between the ankle and mid-shin — tucked in or held with a simple ihram belt, no stitching or knots needed.
Rida (upper wrap): draped over both shoulders, covering the torso.
During Tawaf only, many men do Idtiba — passing the Rida under the right arm and over the left shoulder, baring the right shoulder — then cover both shoulders again afterwards.
Sandals should leave the ankle bones exposed — no closed shoes, socks, stitched clothing, or headwear touching the head.
Ihram for women
There's no special colour or garment — your own loose, opaque, modest clothing is Ihram for a woman, and ordinary stitched clothing is completely fine. Normal hijab covers the hair; the face and hands stay uncovered, and a niqab or gloves aren't worn while in Ihram — though a cloth can be lowered over the face in front of unrelated men without it touching the skin, per the majority view.
الأدعية
Every step, with its wording
Each stage below has its Arabic text, transliteration and English meaning — tap to open it, then press Listen to hear it spoken aloud.
Perform ghusl — a full purifying bath, the Prophet's ﷺ own practice before entering ihram — then wear the ihram garments, make your intention, and begin reciting the Talbiyah, which you repeat often until you start Tawaf. For where to enter Ihram and exactly how to wear it (men and women), see Miqat & getting ready for Ihram ↑ above.
Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily all praise, grace and dominion are Yours. You have no partner.
Sahih al-Bukhari & Sahih Muslim. Men recite it aloud; women say it quietly.
Enter with the right foot, as with any mosque, and lower your gaze in humility as the Ka'bah comes into view. Many raise their hands and make personal du'a at first sight — there's no single wording required for that moment; speak to Allah in your own words.
Entering the mosque
اللَّهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ
Allāhumma-ftaḥ lī abwāba raḥmatik
O Allah, open the gates of Your mercy for me.
Sahih Muslim — the general dua for entering any mosque.
Begin level with the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad), Ka'bah on your left. Say the takbir at the start of each of the seven circuits — kissing or touching the stone if possible, otherwise gesturing toward it without pushing. Between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad), recite the verse below; elsewhere, any dhikr or personal du'a is fine. Close with two rak'ahs near Maqam Ibrahim (Surah al-Kafirun, then al-Ikhlas) and a drink of Zamzam.
Starting each circuit
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ، وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ
Bismillāh, wallāhu akbar
In the name of Allah, and Allah is the Greatest.
Between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad)
Rabbanā ātinā fid-dunyā ḥasanatan wa fil-ākhirati ḥasanatan wa qinā 'adhāban-nār
Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.
Qur'an 2:201, repeated by the Prophet ﷺ on this exact stretch of Tawaf (Sunan Abu Dawud).
After Tawaf, at Maqam Ibrahim
وَاتَّخِذُوا مِنْ مَقَامِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ مُصَلًّى
Wattakhidhū min maqāmi Ibrāhīma muṣallā
And take the station of Ibrahim as a place of prayer.
Qur'an 2:125 — recited before the two rak'ahs. Pray them anywhere in the mosque if the area is crowded.
Approach Safa reciting the verse below, then climb it, face the Ka'bah, and say the takbir three times followed by the dhikr — repeating the whole sequence three times with your own du'a in between. Walk to Marwah (this is one circuit), repeat the same dhikr there, and continue for seven one-way trips in total, ending at Marwah.
Lā ilāha illallāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-ḥamdu yuḥyī wa yumītu wa huwa 'alā kulli shay'in qadīr. Lā ilāha illallāhu waḥdah, anjaza wa'dahu wa naṣara 'abdahu wa hazamal-aḥzāba waḥdah
There is no god but Allah alone, with no partner. His is the dominion and His is all praise; He gives life and causes death, and He has power over all things. There is no god but Allah alone, who fulfilled His promise, granted victory to His servant, and defeated the enemy alliance alone.
Sahih Muslim — said three times, facing the Qiblah, with personal du'a after each repetition.
Allāhumma innī as'aluka 'ilman nāfi'an, wa rizqan wāsi'an, wa shifā'an min kulli dā'
O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, ample provision, and healing from every illness.
A widely used form drawn on the hadith "Zamzam water is for whatever it is drunk for" (Ibn Majah) — make it your own du'a, this need not be recited verbatim.
Men shave the head completely (halq) or trim evenly all over (taqsir); the Prophet ﷺ prayed for those who shave three times and for those who trim once — shaving is the more complete option for men. Women cut roughly a fingertip's length from a gathered lock of hair. Once done, ihram restrictions end and your Umrah is complete — no fixed du'a is prescribed for this step itself.
What about Tawaf al-Wada' (the farewell tawaf)? It's obligatory before leaving Makkah after Hajj, but for Umrah alone most scholars consider it recommended rather than required — Umrah's own rites end at halq or taqsir. Many people still perform it as a graceful way to say goodbye to the Ka'bah before travelling home; skipping it after Umrah isn't missing a pillar.
A note on authenticity. Every Arabic text above comes from the Qur'an or from hadith in Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Sunan Abu Dawud or Sunan Ibn Majah, referenced beside each one. Where scholars differ on wording or where no fixed text exists, that's noted rather than papered over. This page is a study companion, not a fatwa — for rulings on your specific situation, ask a qualified local scholar.
These aren't part of the four pillars above, but they're some of the most-read du'as around an Umrah trip — when you set out, when you first reach Madinah, and when you stand before the Prophet's ﷺ grave.
Allah is the Greatest, three times. Glory to the One who made this possible for us — we could not have done it ourselves — and to our Lord we shall return. O Allah, we ask You for righteousness and piety on this journey, and for deeds that please You.
Sahih Muslim, narrated by Ibn Umar — said whenever mounting transport to travel, including on the way to the airport.
Allāhumma rabbas-samāwātis-sab'i wa mā aẓlalna, wa rabbal-araḍīnas-sab'i wa mā aqlalna, as'aluka khayra hādhihil-qaryati wa khayra ahlihā, wa a'ūdhu bika min sharrihā wa sharri ahlihā
O Allah, Lord of the seven heavens and what they shade, and Lord of the seven earths and what they carry — I ask You for the good of this town and the good of its people, and I seek refuge in You from its evil and the evil of its people.
Sunan al-Nasa'i, graded hasan by several scholars — recited entering any town, and often said arriving in Madinah specifically.
Standing before the Prophet's ﷺ grave (in the Rawdah)
As-salāmu 'alayka ayyuhan-nabiyyu wa raḥmatullāhi wa barakātuh
Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings.
The same greeting said in every prayer's tashahhud (Sahih al-Bukhari & Sahih Muslim) — customarily repeated quietly, facing the grave, without touching or pressing against the grille.
At the Multazam (between the Black Stone / Hajar al-Aswad and the door)
Allāhumma yā rabbal-baytil-'atīq, a'tiq riqābanā wa riqāba ābā'inā wa ummahātinā wa ikhwāninā wa awlādinā minan-nār
O Allah, Lord of the Ancient House, free our necks and the necks of our parents, siblings and children from the Fire.
Widely recited at the Multazam, though its chain is considered weak by several hadith scholars — treat it as a heartfelt personal supplication rather than a verified prophetic text, and feel free to make du'a here in your own words instead.
الصدقة
Making the most of sadaqah on this trip
Charity is rewarded everywhere, but many scholars hold that good deeds carry extra weight in the two Harams — reason enough for sadaqah to be a deliberate part of the trip, not an afterthought. The Prophet ﷺ said, "Charity does not decrease wealth" (Sahih Muslim), and "Save yourself from the Fire even with half a date given in charity" (Sahih al-Bukhari & Sahih Muslim).
Before you fly
Set a budget
Decide a fixed amount in advance, and settle any zakat or debts first — sadaqah doesn't substitute for those.
While there
Feed someone nearby
Dates, Zamzam or a meal at iftar is a loved local custom — give at organised points rather than in a crowd.
Lasting reward
Make it ongoing
A Zamzam cooler or Qur'an copies keep earning reward after you've left — mosque waqf offices accept this.
Give through trusted channels. Donation boxes inside both mosques, mosque waqf offices, and Saudi Arabia's Ehsan platform are reliable ways to make sure it reaches its cause — some street solicitation around the Haram is organised begging, not need.
تطبيق نسك
ن
Nusuk: permits & Rawdah booking
Nusuk is Saudi Arabia's official pilgrim platform — register with your passport/visa details and a phone verification code, and everything below lives in that one account.
Umrah permit
Timed entry to Masjid al-Haram — mandatory for every pilgrim, any visa type.
Rawdah appointment
Free, timed booking for the small, high-demand area in Masjid an-Nabawi (see below).
Ziyarat reservations
Optional historic-site visits around both cities, booked the same way.
Companion management
Add family or children so their permits move together with yours.
Transport & stay
Haramain Rail, hotels and flights through approved providers.
In the moment
Crowd maps, prayer times, Qiblah direction and the Qur'an.
Booking Al-Rawdah
The space between the Prophet's ﷺ pulpit and his house, described in hadith as a garden of Paradise — free, Nusuk-only, and any paid "booking service" is best avoided.
1
Complete your Nusuk profile, then go to Services → Book Rawdah Visit (a separate screen from your Umrah permit).
2
Pick a slot — these release 7–14 days ahead (3–5 days during Ramadan/Hajj), so an empty calendar further out is normal.
3
Confirm to get your QR code (under My Bookings and by email), and arrive within your time window to scan in.
If something's not working: log out/in to refresh a blank screen, double-check your number has the full country code, and use Nusuk's in-app chat or 24-hour line as a last resort. An instant-booking option and a waitlist exist for pilgrims already near the mosque.
iPhone & iPad
Scan the code, or tap through to the App Store listing.
Data for Nusuk and maps, and cash for everything else — the practical basics, in brief.
Getting online
STC
Sawa Ziyara
~SAR 35, reservable online; fingerprint activation on arrival.
MBL
Mobily visitor pack
~SAR 30, walk-up at branches, airport kiosks or shops.
ZN
Zain visitor SIM
~SAR 34.5, kiosks at both Jeddah and Madinah airports.
An eSIM (Saudi carrier or an international marketplace) can be bought and installed before you fly, and activated remotely via Absher — handy if airport queues run long in Ramadan/peak weeks. A physical SIM needs a passport and a quick fingerprint step at any carrier's kiosk. Either way, top up via app, store or USSD, and the line is registered to your own passport by law.
Money & exchange
Convenient, costly
Airport counters
Widest spread of any option — fine for a small top-up, not your main exchange.
Best rate
Licensed city exchangers
Clustered near both Harams; look for official SAMA licensing signage.
Cards & ATMs
International cards
Widely accepted; ATMs often beat counters once spread is factored in.
SAR is pegged to the USD at 3.75 and has been since the 1980s, so an "off" rate is just the exchanger's fee, not a market move. Travelling from India, BookMyForex, Wise or Thomas Cook India let you lock in Riyal cash or a forex card before you fly — compare a couple, rates vary. At any ATM, always choose to be charged in local currency (SAR), never "your home currency" (Dynamic Currency Conversion quietly costs more) — and stick to licensed exchangers only.
المواسم والطقس
Seasons, weather, and why timing matters
Umrah has no fixed date on the solar calendar — the Islamic year is lunar, so your trip's Gregorian date shifts by about 10–11 days earlier each year. That means weather and crowd size are two separate things to plan around, and they don't always move together.
Jun–Sep
Summer
42–45°C+, dry heat, little midday shade — but fewer visitors, easier permits and hotels.
Dec–Feb
Winter
A comfortable 25–30°C — and the most crowded stretch of the year for exactly that reason.
Mar–May, Oct–Nov
Spring & autumn
30–38°C, occasional shoulder-season rain near Jeddah — often the best weather/crowd balance.
Two calendars to watch: Ramadan is the busiest stretch regardless of weather — book early, as Nusuk/Rawdah slots tighten to 3–5 days out. Umrah pauses entirely from 1 Dhul Qa'dah–13 Dhul Hijjah for Hajj (expected ~late May 2026, drifting earlier each year) — check current Hijri dates before planning around it. If your trip lands in summer, lean on the packing list's sun/hydration items and do Tawaf/Sa'i in the cooler early morning or post-Isha hours.
قائمة السفر
What to pack
A reference checklist, not a rulebook — tick off items as you pack. Nothing here is saved once you close the page, so download a copy before you go.
Documents
Travel documents
Health
Medicines & prescriptions
Ihram & clothing
Clothing & ihram
Accessories
Everyday accessories
Electronics
Chargers & electronics
Good to have
Extras worth packing
التنقل
Getting around
Between cities, from the airport, and around the Haram itself — here's how pilgrims usually move.
CRM
Careem
The most widely used ride-hailing app in Saudi Arabia, with strong coverage in both Makkah and Madinah
Works well for airport pickups, city rides, and trips out to ziyarat sites
Account verification by SMS or WhatsApp — set it up before you land if you can
UBR
Uber
A solid alternative to Careem, with an account that usually carries over from home
Good for airport transfers — use the marked pickup zone and match the plate before getting in
Coverage and wait times can vary more than Careem during peak pilgrimage weeks
JNY
Jeeny
A local Saudi ride app that can undercut Careem or Uber on price in Makkah and Madinah
Some foreign phone numbers can't register — worth trying only once you have a Saudi SIM
Useful as a backup when the other two are short on drivers
1
Between Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah — the Haramain High-Speed Rail
The fastest and most comfortable way to cover ground: roughly two and a half hours between Makkah and Madinah, with a stop at Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International Airport along the way. Book through the official HHR Train app or website — enter your passport name exactly as it appears on your passport, and keep a copy of the ticket offline.
2
From the airport to your hotel
Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International is the main gateway for most pilgrims; Madinah's Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International handles many direct Umrah flights too. Careem, Uber and metered taxis all operate from both — use the airport's marked pickup area rather than accepting an offer from someone walking the arrivals hall. Many Umrah packages also include a pre-arranged private transfer; check with your travel agent before booking your own.
3
Around the city and out to ziyarat sites
Official white taxis are metered and available near hotels and the Haram; agree on the fare or insist on the meter before you set off. For a half-day trip to sites like Jabal al-Nour or Uhud, your hotel or a licensed local tour operator can usually arrange a car and driver for a fixed price — often more relaxed than juggling an app for several stops.
4
Moving through the mosque itself
Both Masjid al-Haram and Masjid an-Nabawi are largely a walk once you're there — most hotels within the central zone are five to fifteen minutes on foot. For anyone who needs extra support, the mosque authorities provide free wheelchairs at designated points near the gates, and paid electric-cart services operate along the outer courtyards for longer distances.
A practical habit: keep your hotel's name and address written down in Arabic (ask reception to write it for you), since not every driver reads English signage well, and a language gap is the most common cause of a longer-than-expected ride.
أماكن الإقامة
Where to stay, at every budget
Three tiers near each Haram, with typical nightly rates and guest ratings pulled from major travel-booking sites at the time of writing. Rates swing hard with season and how far ahead you book — treat these as a starting point, and check the live price and rating on the map link before you commit.
On the numbers here. Prices and ratings above come from major travel-booking aggregators around the time this page was written, not a live feed — Saudi hotel rates swing sharply with season, Ramadan, and Hajj proximity, sometimes tripling during peak weeks. We can't display real hotel photography or a live Google rating here (that would mean using images we don't hold rights to), so each card uses an illustrated mark instead — tap "View on map" for real photos, the current price and today's rating before you book.
The first mosque in Islamic history, founded by the Prophet ﷺ on arrival in Madinah — praying two rak'ahs here carries the reward of an Umrah, per hadith.
Beyond the two mosques, both cities have museums covering Islamic history, the Prophet's ﷺ biography, and the region's heritage — a good option for a free half-day, especially with family. Prices and hours are what's publicly listed at the time of writing; both change, so treat them as a starting point and check on arrival or via Siyaha (the official ticketing platform for Makkah's attractions).
Makkah Clock Tower Museum
Spread over several floors of the Clock Royal Tower itself, ending in a 360° viewing terrace directly over the Haram and Ka'bah. Entry: ~SAR 150 (terrace only) to SAR 200 (museum + terrace), SAR 400 for VIP fast-track; children roughly half price. Hours: 2pm–11pm daily. Near: directly above Abraj Al Bait mall, a short walk from King Abdulaziz Gate.
A former royal guesthouse turned museum of Makkah's history, Arabic calligraphy and historical artefacts, with separate prayer halls for men and women. Entry: a modest fee, typically a few riyals — confirm locally. Hours: 8am–12:30pm & 4pm–9pm daily. Near: Makkah–Madinah Road, Al Zahir district, a short taxi ride from the Haram.
International Exhibition of the Prophet's Biography
A large, modern exhibition on the Prophet's ﷺ life and the spread of Islam, popular with families and school groups. Entry: ~SAR 70–105 per adult. Hours: vary by season, typically mid-morning to late evening. Near: Hira Cultural District, a short drive from the Haram.
A focused exhibition on the history of Qur'anic manuscripts and the revelation, part of the wider Hira Cultural District. Entry: ~SAR 30–35. Hours: typically 2 hours visit, check same-day timing on arrival. Near: Hira Cultural District, near Jabal al-Nour.
Bait Al-Aseel Heritage Museum & Museum of Ancient Crafts
Two small, inexpensive heritage stops showing old Hijazi household life and traditional crafts — a quick, budget-friendly add-on rather than a half-day trip. Entry: ~SAR 10–20 each. Near: central Makkah, within easy reach of the Haram.
Madinah's main heritage museum — miniature models recreating the Prophet's ﷺ time and the mosque's historical expansions, inside the old Hijaz Railway station grounds. Entry: ~SAR 25 adult, SAR 15 child. Hours: roughly 9am–5pm, varies by day. Near: Knowledge Economic City, close to Madinah's airport and the Haramain railway station — a taxi ride from the mosque, not walking distance.
The restored Ottoman-era railway station that once linked Damascus to Madinah — 19 galleries plus original train carriages, some turned into cafés. Entry: free. Hours: 9am–9pm (9am–4pm & 5pm–9pm on Fridays). Near: about 1km from Masjid an-Nabawi — walkable for most visitors.
International Exhibition of the Prophet's Biography — Madinah
Madinah's branch of the same Seerah exhibition found in Makkah, telling the story of the migration (Hijrah) and the early Muslim community in the city. Entry: ~SAR 40–90 depending on ticket type. Near: within the Haramain expansion zone, a short walk or short ride from the mosque.
A practical note. None of these are rites of Umrah — they're optional, and well suited to an afternoon when the mosque is quiet between prayers. Ticket prices above are approximate and bundled tour prices (with transport or a guide) will cost more than walking up and buying a ticket directly; book direct where possible if you're on a budget.
التسوق والمطاعم
Shopping & famous eateries
Where pilgrims usually pick up gifts, essentials and a good meal, near both mosques.
ABM
Abraj Al Bait (Clock Tower) Mall
A vast mall directly beside Masjid al-Haram — prayer wear, abayas, perfumes, dates and souvenirs across several floors, with mosque views from the upper levels.
Key sites in both cities, plotted with their names and approximate distance from the main mosque. Switch cities to re-centre the map.
Mosques & mataf Historic & Hajj sites
أبواب الحرمين
Key gates of the two mosques, and what's near each
Both mosques have well over a hundred numbered gates, but pilgrims mostly orient themselves by a handful of named ones. Knowing which gate is near your hotel — or near Safa, the Rawdah, or Jannat al-Baqi — saves a lot of walking around the outside wall. Gate numbers shift slightly as the mosques keep expanding, so treat names as the reliable part and numbers as a rough guide.
King Abdulaziz Gate (Bab al-Malik) — Gate 1
The busiest gate, opening directly onto the Mataf. Near: the Clock Tower (Abraj Al Bait) and Safwa Towers — the default gate for most Clock Tower-area hotels, so expect queues at peak times.
King Fahd Gate — Gate 79
A wide southern-side entrance, generally calmer than King Abdulaziz Gate. Near: the Ajyad district — a good alternative if your hotel is a short walk from either side.
King Abdullah Gate — Gate 100
One of the newest and largest gates, on the mosque's northeastern side. Near: the Al-Shamiyyah expansion and its newer hotel towers.
Umrah Gate (Bab Umrah) — Gate 63
An easy-to-remember name on the Shami (Syrian) corner side, commonly used by Umrah pilgrims specifically. Near: the Shamiyyah side, opposite King Abdullah Gate's general area.
As-Salam Gate (Bab as-Salam)
Historically the gate first-time visitors are encouraged to enter through, sitting between Safa and Marwah (closer to Marwah) and opening straight onto the mas'aa. Near: the Safa–Marwah gallery, so useful both for your first entry and for starting Sa'i.
Safa Gate (Bab as-Safa) — Gate 11
Opens right at the base of Safa hill. Near: the start of the Sa'i walk — the gate to look for once you're ready to begin Sa'i after Tawaf.
Bab as-Salam (Gate of Peace) — Gate 1
The most historic gate, traditionally used to enter and greet the Prophet ﷺ, leading toward the Rawdah. Near: the western side — close to Anwar Al Madinah Mövenpick and Dar Al Taqwa; a common choice for men heading to the Rawdah.
Bab Jibril (Gate of Gabriel)
On the eastern side, near the Prophet's ﷺ chamber and mihrab. Near: Dallah Taibah and Al Aqeeq hotels — also commonly used for Rawdah access.
King Fahd Gate (Bab Malik Fahd)
The largest gate at Masjid an-Nabawi — seven doors and two minarets — forming the main northern entrance. Near: the northern hotel zone and the main plaza where crowds gather before Fajr.
Bab Al-Majeedi
A large northern gate near King Abdul Majeed Road. Near: Madinah Hilton, InterContinental Dar Al Iman and Millennium Taiba — the gate most of that hotel cluster uses.
Bab Al-Baqi
Faces Jannat al-Baqi directly. Near: the most convenient gate if you're stepping out to Baqi after a prayer rather than planning a separate trip.
Bab An-Nisa (Women's Gate)
A dedicated women's entrance, with several more added across the mosque's expansions. Near: look for "النساء" (women) signage — staff can point to the nearest one from any side of the mosque.
A practical habit: note your gate's name (and a nearby landmark) when you arrive each time, not just "the big one near my hotel" — several gates can look similar from inside, and this is the detail that gets you back out to the right street fastest.
الرعاية الصحية
Medical care and emergencies
Every Umrah visa issued from outside Saudi Arabia comes with mandatory health insurance already built into the visa fee — here's what it covers, where to get treated, and who to call.
Included in your visa
What the mandatory insurance covers
Emergency medical treatment and hospitalisation, up to SAR 100,000
COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment
Pregnancy complications and emergency childbirth
Emergency dental care and dialysis
Traffic accident injuries
Medical evacuation, and repatriation in the event of death
Compensation for flight delays or cancellations
Valid for 90 days from your entry date, within Saudi Arabia only
Using it
How to access care
Government hospitals and affiliated private facilities both accept it — bring your passport and visa/Nusuk details
Verify your policy anytime at riaya-ksa.com, the Comprehensive Insurance Programme for the Guests of the Merciful
Policy helpline: 800 440 0008 (within Saudi Arabia) or +966 13 812 9700 (international)
For anything the policy doesn't cover — routine consultations, non-emergency specialist visits — private hospitals are an option at your own cost
✚
Near Masjid al-Haram
Makkah
Ajyad Emergency Hospital — 24-hour emergency care, closest to the Haram itself
Al-Haram Emergency Hospital — just north of the mosque, opposite King Abdullah Gate
Al-Noor Specialist Hospital — around 3.5 km out, for specialist and non-emergency care
King Abdullah Medical City — the region's larger tertiary hospital
✚
Near Masjid an-Nabawi
Madinah
First-aid points sit right in the mosque's own courtyards, near the Bab Jibril, Al-Safiyyah, Bab As-Salam and Al-Majidi gates — the fastest option for anything minor
King Fahad Hospital — the region's largest and most comprehensive facility
Al-Ansar Hospital — a further major government hospital serving the city
A practical habit: save a screenshot of your Nusuk permit and insurance details, keep your passport on you, and have your hotel's address written in Arabic — exactly as suggested for transport, this is the detail that speeds up help the most if something goes wrong.
عن الموقع
About UmrahNow, and who's behind it
SR
I'm Syed Rashad, and I'm preparing for my own first Umrah. Building UmrahNow came out of that preparation — every bit of information I needed was scattered somewhere different: the rites and their exact wording on one forum, visa rules buried in a government PDF, Nusuk instructions passed around in a WhatsApp group, hotel advice in year-old blog comments. Piecing it all together, before I've even travelled, has taken far longer than it should.
UmrahNow is my attempt to put everything in one place — the way I wish it existed when I started planning — so the next pilgrim doesn't have to go through the same scramble. It's a free guide, not a travel agency, though I am working on connecting pilgrims with vetted Umrah providers so you don't have to guess who to trust (see Umrah Packages, coming soon). Every du'a here is referenced to its source, and anywhere scholars differ or the wording isn't fixed, that's flagged rather than glossed over. Think of it as a study companion, not a fatwa — for rulings on your own situation, please ask a qualified scholar.
You can see more of my work at syedrashad.in ↗, or use the feedback form below to tell me what's missing or wrong — that's the only way this guide gets better.
A request. If this guide made your preparation even a little easier, I'd be grateful if you would remember me and my family in your du'as — especially in Makkah and Madinah. May Allah accept your Umrah, forgive you, and grant you and your loved ones the best of this world and the next.
جَزَاكُمُ اللَّهُ خَيْرًا
ملاحظاتكم
Help us make this site better
Missing a du'a, found an outdated rule, or wish there was a section on something else? Tell us what would make your Umrah journey smoother — this goes straight to the person building the site.
Disclaimer & privacy
No government affiliation
UmrahNow is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the Nusuk platform, or any government body named on this site. App names, organisation names and trademarks mentioned belong to their respective owners and appear here for reference only.
Not religious, medical, legal or financial advice
Content on rites, du'as and scholarly views is offered for orientation, drawn from the cited sources, and isn't a substitute for a qualified scholar, doctor, lawyer or financial adviser. Verify anything specific to your situation with a qualified professional.
Third-party services, not endorsements
Apps, carriers, hospitals, exchange houses and other businesses named here are for reference only. UmrahNow doesn't control, guarantee, or take responsibility for their pricing, availability or conduct, and currently receives no payment for any mention on this page.
The Umrah Packages enquiry isn't a booking
Submitting that form creates no contract, guarantee or obligation on either side. UmrahNow is not currently a travel agency and doesn't sell, broker or fulfil travel packages. Once the vetted-provider service is live, "vetted" describes a screening process, not a guaranteed outcome — do your own due diligence before paying anyone.
Your data, in plain terms
Anything submitted via the Feedback or Umrah Packages forms is delivered to the site owner's inbox through FormSubmit and used only to respond to you — never sold or shared. UmrahNow uses Cloudflare Web Analytics to see how many people visit and which pages are useful; it sets no cookies and doesn't track you individually or across other sites. If you subscribe to the daily email update, your address is stored with our email provider, Brevo, only to send that update — every email has an unsubscribe link. The packing checklist and du'a audio run entirely in your browser and are never sent anywhere.
Accuracy changes; so should your assumptions
Regulations, visa terms, prices, contact numbers and provider details change often, sometimes without notice — verify anything time-sensitive directly with Nusuk, the relevant embassy, or the provider before relying on it.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, UmrahNow and its creator accept no liability for loss, expense, delay, missed travel, medical issues, financial loss, or other harm arising from using this site or relying on its content.